Obesity is an epidemic that affects 1.7 million people world wide. An estimated two-thirds of the United States' population is obese. Obesity is a disease that can cause diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and can even be lethal if left untreated. Bariatric surgery is one option overweight and morbidly obese people have for treating their weight problem, however it isn't a total solution. Although bariatric surgery is successful in helping many people lose weight, not only does it require lifestyle changes, it is a drastic surgical procedure with many complications. One such complication includes a failure of the gastric bypass with a resultant weight gain. The problem that takes place after gastric bypass surgery, is that the connection between the stomach pouch, and the small intestine becomes widened or dilated. This is known as a dilated GJ anastomosis. While this is an important factor, it may not be the only factor. Figuring this out takes place after discussion with your doctor. Directing this problem by way of surgery is often not taking place. These revisional, formal surgeries are difficult and fraught with complications.
The first thing any patient undergoing endoscopic suturing needs to understand is that regaining weight after the gastric bypass procedure is not uncommon. During an endoscopic stomal revision, the gastroenterologist specializing in endoscopic suturing also known as the Overstitch Procedure, will suture the opening from the stomach pouch to the intestine. This connection, called a stoma, can stretch over time, that can lead to weight regain after the procedure because more food can pass through and more calories get absorbed.
Safe, endoscopic procedures are available for patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, in order to reduce the size of the pouch back to it's post-operative size. This allows the patient to become fuller, faster allowing the patient to reduce their overall calorie intake and continue with their weight loss.